If you like this, try…
Wines like Light-bodied dry red
Pale, low-tannin reds with bright acidity and red-fruit character — the reds that suit a light chill and don’t overwhelm food. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Light-bodied dry red?
Optional — the results below already work without it. But “I like Malbec” is at least four different preferences wearing one name, and saying which one you mean changes the answer substantially. Only qualities this wine actually has are offered.
What these words mean
- The bright red fruit
- Raspberry, redcurrant, sour cherry — lighter and sharper than dark fruit, usually from a cooler place or an earlier picking.
- How light it is
- A wine you can drink without it feeling like a commitment. Usually lower in alcohol as well as lighter in the mouth.
- How smooth and soft it is
- Low tannin. Tannin is the drying, gum-gripping sensation in red wine — like strong tea. A smooth red has little of it.
- How fresh and crisp it is
- Acidity is what makes your mouth water and makes a wine feel refreshing rather than heavy. It is the single most useful thing to know about your own taste.
- That it is not too strong
- Alcohol you notice as warmth at the back of the throat. Some people find it a pleasant part of a big red and some find it tiring.
- The floral character
- Rose, violet, elderflower, orange blossom.
- The earthy, mineral side
- Forest floor, wet stone, mushroom, damp earth. Widely described and much less well explained than wine writing implies — the sensation is real, the causal story usually is not.
Looking for something keeping how smooth and easy it is to drink and the bright red-fruited character, while moving away from too light or thin and too floral or soapy.
- You said you like the bright red-fruited character and that it is too light or thin. Both are about body, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
Based on what you said
Ranked against the qualities you named rather than against the wine as a whole. The directions below are refined the same way.
Barbera d’Asti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Barbera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Morgon
Both are made from gamay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of how smooth and easy it is to drink, though less of it.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how smooth and easy it is to drink, though less of it.
- Keeps the bright red-fruited character.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps how smooth and easy it is to drink.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Chilean Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how smooth and easy it is to drink, though less of it.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Corvina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how smooth and easy it is to drink, though less of it.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Australian Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of how smooth and easy it is to drink, though less of it.
- Has some of the bright red-fruited character, though less of it.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Barbera d’Asti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Barbera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Morgon
Both are made from gamay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less floral.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Barbera d’Asti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Barbera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Change the structure
Same idea, different weight, grip or freshness.
Similar but lighter
Keeps the character but reduces weight, alcohol and density in the mouth.
English still Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Schiava
Both are made from schiava.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Poulsard
Poulsard scores closest to Light-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
País
Both are made from país.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Similar but lower in alcohol
Holds the character and the weight where it can, and moves specifically on strength. Note that below about 11% the choices narrow sharply, and below 5% they are mostly a different category rather than a lighter version of the same one.
English still Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Barbera d’Asti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Gamay
Both are made from gamay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Barbera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Barbera d’Asti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Morgon
Both are made from gamay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less floral.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Corvina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Savennières
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Santorini Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Greco di Tufo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Morgon
Both are made from gamay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less floral.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter.
Chilean Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter.
Australian Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and lighter.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Barbera d’Asti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Barbera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Chianti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less floral.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Southern Rhône blend
Both are made from cinsault, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Montepulciano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Merlot
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Sparkling Shiraz
Sparkling Shiraz scores closest to Light-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.
Lambrusco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.
English sparkling rosé
Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.
Corvina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more tannic and structured.
Tinta Negra
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and lighter.
Tawny Port
Tawny Port scores closest to Light-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and broader and softer.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but less oaky
One of the commonest requests in wine. Strips oak influence while holding grape character and weight.
Frühburgunder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more tannic and structured.
Lambrusco Grasparossa
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.
Castelão
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Barbera d’Asti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Barbera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Gamay
Both are made from gamay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more floral.
Cabernet Franc
Both are made from cabernet franc, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.
Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Light-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and more floral.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Franken Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less tannic and softer, and lighter.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less tannic and softer.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Cru Beaujolais
Both are made from gamay.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
Both are made from frappato.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.
Barbaresco
Barbaresco scores closest to Light-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more tannic and structured.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo scores closest to Light-bodied dry red across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Barbera d’Asti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Morgon
Both are made from gamay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more tannic and structured.
Barbera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.
Chianti Classico Riserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less floral.
Rioja Gran Reserva
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Red Burgundy
Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Gamay
Both are made from gamay, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
St Laurent
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Frühburgunder
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Corvinone
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and fruitier.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
Same grape, somewhere else
Holds the variety constant and changes the place, which is often a bigger change than swapping the grape.
Morgon
Both are made from gamay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less floral.
Chilean Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.
Australian Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.
Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
English still Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Oregon Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.
Red Burgundy
Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Morgon
Both are made from gamay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and fruitier.
Southern Rhône blend
Both are made from cinsault, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Chilean Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.
New Zealand Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Change the mood
Safer, stranger, cheaper or more serious.
A safe next step
Well-known wines that are widely available and unlikely to surprise anyone.
Barbera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less floral.
New Zealand Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Barbera d’Asti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Morgon
Both are made from gamay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less floral.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Chilean Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.
A better-value alternative
Wines that occupy similar sensory territory from regions carrying less price premium. WineHQ does not hold live prices, so this reasons from regional reputation and demand rather than from a price feed — treat it as a lead, not a quote.
Barbera d’Asti
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Morgon
Both are made from gamay, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less floral.
Barbera d’Alba
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Chilean Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Barbera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Chianti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more tannic and structured.
Chianti Classico
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more tannic and structured, and less floral.
New Zealand Pinot Noir
Both are made from pinot noir, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Each suggestion is scored across sixteen taste dimensions, weighted so that structure matters more than flavour, and adjusted for whether the wine actually moves in the direction you asked for. Curated links from an editor carry extra weight — but only when the editor tagged them for this direction. Nothing here is a black box; see the taste model for the full method.